NEW Delhi, May 18: The majority of the Indian players along with the jumbo support staff will be flying out to New York on May 25, with the rest leaving for the T20 World Cup only after the May 26 IPL final.
Earlier, the members of teams failing to qualify for the play-offs were supposed to leave for New York on May 21, two days after the final league game of the IPL on May 19 but it has since been learnt that there has been some change in plans and now the first batch will leave on May 25.
“The likes of skipper Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel are some of the players along with support staff who are expected to leave on May 25,” a BCCI source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
“Earlier, departure date for first batch was May 21 but since India is playing only one warm-up game (vs Bangladesh on June 1), the players will get to spend some extra days at home,” the source added.
Only those players who are part of the IPL final will stay back and will leave for New York on May 27.
This will also give adequate time to the squad to reduce jet lag and have at least three to four quality net sessions before the Bangladesh warm-up game.
India will open their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan on June 9.
With the revised departure schedule, the majority of the Indian cricket team and their extensive support staff will now fly out to New York on May 25, providing players with some valuable extra days at home before embarking on their T20 World Cup journey.
This adjustment ensures that only those participating in the IPL final will leave on May 27, allowing the squad ample time to acclimatize and prepare.
The team, led by skipper Rohit Sharma and comprising star players like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, will have sufficient opportunity to overcome jet lag and engage in crucial net sessions before their warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1.
As India gears up for their campaign opener against Ireland on June 5 and the much-anticipated clash with Pakistan on June 9, this strategic scheduling aims to maximize the team’s readiness and performance on the global stage.
This strategic shift in travel plans underscores the importance of player well-being and optimal preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup.
By providing the players with additional days at home, the BCCI ensures that they are well-rested and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
The team’s comprehensive support staff, including coaches, physiotherapists, and analysts, will also benefit from the adjusted schedule, enabling them to implement their training regimes more effectively. (PTI)
